Securing USMCA Protects U.S. Agriculture From More Trade Uncertainties

Lyndsey Smith with Real Ag Radio joined RFD-TV to share a Canadian perspective on the discussions.

While China is top of mind, one agriculture trade group is putting the focus on North America. At a recent stop in dairy country, leaders at Farmers for Free Trade told the crowd that keeping the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) intact is a must.

Agricultural leaders from Canada, the United States, and Mexico recently wrapped up the Tri-National Agriculture Accord — the final meeting before the scheduled 2026 review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

USMCA has come under fire lately, with President Donald Trump suggesting it may need a re-work. During a stop on the “Motorcade for Trade” tour, leaders from “Farmers for Free Trade” say that the agreement must stay intact, warning that they’re some of the most important trade partners.

They say farmers cannot afford another level of uncertainty right now. The group called for an end to trade disputes, saying 95 percent of U.S. commodity purchases come from international markets, including Canada and Mexico.

Lyndsey Smith with Real Ag Radio joined RFD-TV to share a Canadian perspective on the discussions.

Smith discussed what Canada’s agriculture minister and provincial counterparts brought to the table, outlining key issues addressed during the meeting and the priorities they emphasized heading into the USMCA review. She also explained how the United States fit into the discussions, noting the collaborative yet complex trade relationships among the three nations.

Smith’s insight highlighted how Canada and Mexico held their own bilateral meetings before the accord, setting the stage for what could be significant trade conversations in 2026.

Related Stories
While the U.S.-China framework for soybean trade is in place, Ohio farmer Chris Gibbs tells us he will believe it when he sees it.
Global nitrogen and phosphate prices remain high despite improved supply fundamentals, with limited Chinese exports and stronger fall applications tightening availability.
Record output, larger stocks, and softer exports point to a well-supplied domestic ethanol market as harvest progresses.
The Court may limit emergency tariff powers, complicating a key bargaining tool; ag could see shifts in input costs and export dynamics as China, Brazil, and India talks evolve.
U.S. sugar producers and processors should brace for price pressure and challenging export logistics with global sugar supply ramping up — driven by Brazil, India, and Thailand — especially at the raw processing level.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Eastern Region VP Joey Nowotny of Delaware joins us on FFA Today to talk about his new leadership role and an exciting year ahead for the National FFA Organization.
Cattle imports from Mexico remain stalled amid the New World screwworm outbreak. At the same time, Tyson closures add pressure on Nebraska producers and markets ahead of the USDA’s upcoming Cattle on Feed Report.
Georgia has regained its HPAI-free status after a swift response to October’s detection. Commissioner Tyler Harper urges producers to stay vigilant and maintain biosecurity.
While this month’s WASDE report will not include updated figures on U.S. crop size, officials say it will offer a clearer picture of crop conditions in the Southern Hemisphere.
USTR Jamieson Greer signals a narrower trade deal with China, adding more market uncertainty. The Farm Bureau also supports reviewing China’s missed trade commitments under the Phase One.
Southern producers head into 2026 with thin margins, tighter credit, and rising agronomic risks despite scattered yield improvements.